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150: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD
9) the rite if it is the custom that a child receives the sacred threads, called "upanïti'. The Hindus especially perform it, when the young adept is about eight years of age and has been taught the fundamental principles of religion. If it is a young Jain he (she) may be dressed in white and receive the "yajñopavīta" composed by three threads symbolising the "three jewels". The child will in theory wear it its whole life. Only few Śvetāmbara, who have adopted various Hindu practices, perform this rite. Sthānakavāsī take the child to the "sthānaka" to begin to teach him (her) meditation and religious songs,
10) the rite of the five little vows, called "vrata-carya". It is performed after the young adept has been taught the fundamental principles of Jainism by his (her) parents or by a teacher at the "pathaśāla". He then does a "pūjā”, says a “mantra" recites the little vows (aṇuvrata) of the laity and promises to observe them, especially the vow of absolute chastity (uttama bhrahmacarya) and body austerity.
A Jain boy, as soon as he is eight years old, may begin his noviciate as a monk under the guidance of a "guru" in a "gurukula". A young girl who wishes to become a nun begins her noviciate later, at 15-20 years of age, under the guidance of a "guruņi". Novices may, at this stage, take a new name and begin to beg food. The majority of young Jains who want to become monks or nuns pursue their studies and even go to University, as do those who wish to remain lay persons and practise a profession,
11) the rite performed at the end of the studies, when the adept starts an active life, called "vratavataraṇa". It implies the vow to practice the basic virtues (mula-guṇa) we have already seen prescribed by the sacred texts. If the adept does not want to become an ascetic, he (she) may give up the vow of body austerity but must continue to observe that of chastity until his (her) marriage.
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